Oscar Bartholomew allegedly beaten to death by police in Grenada

A Toronto man was allegedly beaten to death by police in Grenada after hugging a female officer who he mistook for an old family friend.

Oscar Bartholomew was visiting family in the island country for Christmas when brutal beating took place.

According to local media reports, Mr. Bartholomew mistook a police officer for an old family friend and didn’t realize the mistake until after the big man ran over, hugged and lifted the woman off the ground.

Police officers considered it an assault on an officer, Grenada Broadcast reported, and while officers arrested the 39-year-old, they severely beat him.

He succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

One police officer told Grenada Broadcast that Mr. Bartholomew may have been resisting arrest.

It was unclear when the incident took place, but Grenada Broadcast reported he died on Monday.

The circumstances around the death will be investigated, but Grenada’s top politicians believe a wider inquiry is needed.

The Royal Grenada Police Force said in a release that an investigation will be conducted with “alacrity, objectivity and an uncompromising desire to elicit the truth.”

However, one of the country’s cabinet ministers says that’s not enough. Denis Lett, who serves as the agriculture and fisheries minister, said that the police may want to have an independent inquiry into the death to assure the public that the results are not tainted.

“I know the police will conduct their own internal investigation,’’ said Mr. Lett, who represents the area where the incident took place.

“But they may also wish to consider setting up a broader commission of enquiry that includes a retired judge to speed up the investigation and uncover all the facts surrounding the incident.’’

In a release, Mr. Lett said he and Prime Minister Tillman Thomas visited Mr. Bartholomew’s family on Wednesday and expressed their and the island’s condolences.

“Many persons from St. David and other parts of Grenada have also contacted me expressing concern at the incident and I’ve told them that I, too, share their concern,” Mr. Lett said.

Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the incident and is ready to provide consular assistance as required, but wouldn’t say if it would be involved in any investigation.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is aware of reports of the death of a permanent resident of Canada in Grenada. Our thoughts and condolences are with those affected by this tragedy,” spokesman Jean-Francois Lacelle said in an email.